Introduction
If you’re looking for a treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, look no further than this ultimate coffee cake recipe. With its rich, buttery flavor, moist crumb, and a sweet cinnamon streusel topping, this cake is designed to become a beloved staple in your home. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekend brunch or enjoying a cozy morning at home, every bite of this coffee cake will make you feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm blanket.
The Story Behind Coffee Cake
Coffee cake is one of those iconic baked goods that has been around for generations, and it has a history that dates back to the 17th century in Europe. The original coffee cakes were often simple pastries, sometimes with a glaze or powdered sugar on top. It was called “coffee cake” because it was meant to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee. In fact, it wasn’t always made with coffee in the cake itself—it was just a cake that was perfect for serving alongside a cup of joe.
As coffee cake made its way to America, it took on many different forms, often including fruit, nuts, and sweet spices like cinnamon. The version we’ll be making today is an all-time favorite, combining a light, fluffy cake base with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that gives it just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake
- Moist and Flavorful Cake: The cake is soft, tender, and moist thanks to the perfect balance of butter, sour cream, and eggs.
- Cinnamon Streusel Topping: The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates a deliciously crumbly, sweet topping that adds texture and flavor.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this coffee cake is simple to make and doesn’t require any special tools or techniques.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a weekend breakfast or a special brunch, this coffee cake will be the star of the table.
Ingredients for the Coffee Cake
This coffee cake uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but adds a lovely crunch)
Instructions for the Perfect Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. This step is key to ensuring your cake turns out light and airy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture in batches, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. If you’re using nuts, add them to the mixture at this point.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel topping over the top of the cake.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
Tips for a Perfect Coffee Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing will result in a denser cake.
- Customize the Streusel: Feel free to add chocolate chips, raisins, or other spices like nutmeg to the streusel to make the cake your own. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out or substitute with shredded coconut for added texture.
- Make It Ahead: Coffee cake is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. You can bake it the night before and store it tightly covered at room temperature.
- Freezing: To freeze the coffee cake, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.
Why This Coffee Cake Recipe Works
This recipe works because of the balance between the moist cake and the crumbly, sweet streusel topping. The sour cream in the cake batter ensures that it stays moist and tender, while the cinnamon and brown sugar in the streusel give it a rich, sweet flavor with just the right amount of spice. The addition of walnuts or pecans in the streusel gives a lovely crunch, making each bite a perfect mix of soft cake and crisp topping.
This coffee cake is versatile, too. You can serve it as a sweet breakfast or brunch treat, or even as a simple dessert with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any occasion, from a cozy family get-together to a festive holiday meal.
Variations of the Coffee Cake Recipe:
- Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the cake batter for a burst of fruitiness.
- Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Dice 1 apple and stir it into the batter along with the cinnamon streusel. The apple adds extra moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a richer, sweeter flavor.
- Lemon Coffee Cake: Replace the vanilla extract with lemon zest and add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
Conclusion: The Perfect Coffee Cake Every Time
There’s something special about a freshly baked coffee cake. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—whether it’s over a cup of coffee in the morning or during an afternoon break. With a tender, buttery cake and a sweet, cinnamon-laden streusel topping, this coffee cake is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ll experience the comforting joy that comes from sharing this delicious treat with others.